9th ANNUAL WEST COAST AERIAL ARTS FESTIVAL
VIRTUAL EVENT
THE LONGEST STANDING AERIAL COMPETITION IN THE UNITED STATES
AerialArtsAmerica.org
Please join us in virtually celebrating the 9th Annual West Coast Aerial Arts Festival (WCAAF)
When: November 11 – 14, 2021
Where: Main Venue: Aerial Dance Theater, 3001 Red Hill Ave. Bldg. 1-107, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Satellite Venues: All Across the United States of America and Beyond
Event: Aerial Arts Competition, Workshops and Aerial Culminating Concert
The West Coast Aerial Arts Festival is the very first aerial competition of its kind in the United States, opening doors to young and seasoned aerialists irrespective of age or level.
The pandemic has given us the opportunity to reconnect with many artists within the United States and beyond, as proven in our virtual festival last year. However, despite the numerous amount of participants, our festival has hit a financial crisis due to compounding effects of the pandemic. With the devotion of the directors and key volunteers, and the resilience of this organization, Aerial Arts America will continue to conduct the West Coast Aerial Arts Festival, virtually. Many may say the pandemic is over, but to us, unless our youngsters are vaccinated, the safe route to bring our festival is through virtual live streaming with the aid of our sponsor host, Aerial Dance Theater in Costa Mesa, California.
The WCAAF began in 2013 with its mission to create awareness in the aerial community as a tool in fulfilling many gaps in this discipline, both from educational to performance standpoints. It also serves as a platform for all students, amateurs, and semi-professionals alike, to showcase their skills in a competitive venue. It brings camaraderie and recognition within and outside our community. The stories and experiences shared by each participant is an achievement in and of itself, not only in support of Aerial Arts America’s mission, but in building community among all of us who are touched in one way or another through their involvement. Through our competitions, our mission of promoting physical literacy is by itself directly and indirectly accomplished.
The West Coast Aerial Arts Festival is a tremendous undertaking that is driven by committee directors and volunteers’ passion and support. It is funded mainly by Aerial Arts America, its sponsors and in-kind donors. We depend heavily on your endorsement and active participation – as promoters, school team competitors, and/or as donors, sponsors and program advertisers. We would be happy to discuss these types of supporting roles.
Let’s join hands in welcoming everyone collectively to celebrate our passion for aerial arts. We hope to see you virtually with us!
AERIAL COMPETITION
The West Coast Aerial Arts Festival is a competition based event that comprises of as many as twenty-one (21) categories based on age group and experience level. Ages range from 7 to 60+ years old, and levels include novice, amateur, semi-professional, and professional.
This year, awards will be partly in non-numerical titles according to their category. Plaque and medals will be presented to each title holder. There will only be a 1st 2nd and 3rd place overall winners that will receive trophies. The overall winner will also be featured as a special guest performer at the subsequent festival, showcasing his/her winning routine.
WORKSHOPS
November 11 – 13, 2021
Workshops shall be taught by established educators and judges highly regarded in their respective fields.
These workshops will include some and all of the following: Aerial Silks, Aerial Hoop/ Lyra, Trapeze as well as specialty apparatuses including Straps, Cube, Contortion, Rope and alike. These will be available to our participants and the general public to take.
CHOREOGRAPHY SHOWCASE
IN past years, our vision to spearhead the choreography aspect of this artform has been challenging and shall be introduced as a separate engagement in the Spring. Thus, we shall not be accepting choreography entries at this festival
PARTICIPATION AND REGISTRATION
Participation in the competition are open to all. The fee starts with an an early bird special rate of $150 and additional fees depending on their participation in other categories. Fees gains you access to competition participation, one workshop, show attendance, T-shirt and a participation medal.
Deadline for submitting application packets and registration fee is October 15, 2021 PST. There is also an Early Bird Special submission with a discounted fee.
DIRECTORS NETWORK
A session is also set-up for directors, coaches and school administrators to discuss topics relating to their organization, current developments or to share resources. It also creates a support group in the community.
SCHOLARSHIP AUDITION
Funds for scholarship grant are provided to deserving artists. An audition is scheduled and WCAAF participants may try out.
VENDOR GALLERY
The festival will feature an exciting vendor gallery showcasing businesses related to and/or support the aerial arts community. Please email us for details, or visit our website for additional information at www.aerialartsamerica.com
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ABOUT AERIAL ARTS AMERICA (AAA): Established in 2012, AAA is a non-profit organization functioning as an international governing body for aerial arts. Our mission is to generate exposure for national and international talent, nurture the development of artists and performers and advocate for educational and performing arts standards in all areas of aerial arts.
We develop standards from both an educational and performing arts standpoint through 3 pillars: teacher certification, festivals and competitions as well as scholarship trainings.
We look forward to seeing you at the 9th West Coast Aerial Arts Festival from November 11-14, 2021 all around the globe via virtual conferencing and in person with state and local safety protocols. Please visit out site for more information and updates including early bird sign-ups in the next few weeks.
Thank you!
Warm regards,
Ruby Karen
Festival Organizer
